2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review (continued)
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Walkaround

This car has presence. It makes a strong class statement, immediately enhancing the appearance of any driveway. CLK-Class models mix exterior design elements from other Mercedes lines to create a uniquely graceful presence. In particular, the four ovoid headlamps, which made their debut on the E-Class, lend an unmistakable Mercedes touch at the front, while the sweeping arc of the rearmost roof pillars sweetens the whole shape.

For 2000, CLK320 models gain new body-colored front and rear aprons around the perimeter of the body, new body-colored sculpted rocker panels and side rub strips, and new-design seven-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels. Mercedes-Benz gives all CLK430 models AMG-designed Sport aerodynamic enhancements, plus new body-colored door handles (without chrome), new black window trim and blue-tinted windows. CLK430 features a staggered tire setup with wider, lower-profile tires on wider AMG thin-spoke Monoblock wheels in back than in front.

CLK is equipped with front and side airbags for the front passengers. The front passenger seat uses a sensor that tells the airbag sensors whether it's occupied; if it's unoccupied, the passenger-side bags won't deploy, which can save a bundle in repairs. Allied with this is the BabySmart system, which lets the airbag computer know when the passenger seat is occupied by a child restraint seat, thus deactivating the right front airbag. It requires the purchase of a specially designed seat from Mercedes to work.

For 2000, two special designo Editions with unique paint, interior upholstery and trim join the CLK lineup: Slate Blue ($6,700) and Espresso ($5,900).

Interior Features

CLK-Class boasts room for four with outstanding seats. In terms of its firm comfort, luxury features, no-nonsense instrumentation, and excellent control layout, the CLK interior is like other Mercedes-Benz automobiles. The interior is not, however, traditional Mercedes in terms of decor: there's warmth in the interior color scheme. Mercedes has emerged from a long tradition of funereal hues and dark wood trim into something more contemporary. For 2000, CLK430 comes with black Birdseye maple wood trim and light gray gauges.

Front seating adjustments work fluidly and it's easy to find a comfortable position. Two adults will find ample leg, knee and shoulder room in the rear seats, though the convertible top makes Cabriolets more cramped. Getting into the rear seat of coupes isn't always easy, but the Easy Entry system automatically moves the front power seats forward, then returns them to their original position.

From the driver's point of view, we found the new coupe's sight lines to be very good, including the rear quarters. In addition to their elegant appearance, the slim rear roof C-pillars minimize blind spots so common in sport coupes. There is some wind noise at higher speeds.

CLK's spacious trunk is nearly the same size as that in the C-Class sedan. Coupes come with split folding seatbacks to increase cargo capacity. Putting the top down on the Cabriolet reduces its cargo space by 40 percent.